Summary:
Linden Public School District has 11 schools: eight elementary schools serving PK–5, two middle schools serving grades 6–8, and one high school serving grades 9–12. Elementary results average 32% in ELA, compared with 49% statewide, and 28% in math, compared with 47% statewide. Middle school averages are 32% in ELA versus 53% statewide and 11% in math versus 34%. The most important finding is that proficiency results across the elementary and middle schools are generally well below state levels, even where individual schools lead their local group.
Number 9 is the strongest elementary school overall in 2025–2026: its average across six ELA and math results was 38%, compared with 30% for the eight-school group, and it led grade 3 and 5 math and grade 5 ELA. Number 4 led both grade-4 subjects, with 36% in ELA and 32% in math. Number 2 led grade-3 ELA at 46%, just 2 points below the state’s 48%. At the other end, Number 5 had the lowest six-result average, 19%, and the lowest grade-3 ELA and grade-3 and grade-5 math results. SchoolDigger ranks Number 9 at the 35th percentile (2 stars) and Number 5 at the 7th percentile (0 stars).
Results shifted unevenly over time: the elementary ELA and math average declined from 31% in 2024–2025 to 30% in 2025–2026, while the comparable state average also fell, and the school-to-state gap widened slightly. Number 2, Number 4, and Number 6 improved on average across those results, while Number 9 fell about 8 points despite its latest-year lead. School context does not point to one simple pattern: Number 9’s student–teacher ratio was 10.0:1 and its free/reduced lunch eligible share was 61% (sy 2024–2025), while Number 4 had a 13.9:1 ratio and a 78% eligible share. At Linden High School, graduation was 91% in 2024–2025, above the state’s 89%, but chronic absenteeism was 34%, versus 14% statewide—a substantial attendance concern.
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